Policies for FlexTrack Students
FlexTrack is a program for non‐traditional students with significant time constraints outside of the classroom--family commitments, full‐time employment, etc. Because FlexTrack students can take anywhere between zero to 18 credits per semester, they are the only students on campus that can be classified as part-time undergraduates (taking fewer than 12 credits). Many FlexTrack students, however, do take a full course load (taking 12 credits or more). It all depends on how William & Mary fits into your life. This program is meant to be flexible, after all!
Applying to FlexTrack
How many FlexTrack students are admitted each year?
We admit a maximum of 20 FlexTrack students per year.
How can I enroll as a FlexTrack student?
If you live in the Williamsburg area, meet the usual admission standards of the College, and you can show compelling reasons why full‐time status is not feasible, you can apply to FlexTrack as a freshman or transfer student. Include a letter in your regular application explaining why you require FlexTrack status.
How do I switch from full‐time to FlexTrack status?
Switching from full‐time to FlexTrack is an option for very few students. If you are already a full‐time student and have compelling reasons to move to FlexTrack status, you must petition the Committee on Academic Status. Compelling reasons may include new family responsibilities, and significant changes in life circumstances.
How do I switch from FlexTrack to full‐time status?
If you are a FlexTrack student who wants to become full‐time, you must petition the Committee on Academic Status.
Academic Policies
Do FlexTrack students get an academic advisor?
Yes. We'll assign you to an advisor who will assist you in building a coherent program tailored to your academic goals.
What are the credit load requirements of FlexTrack students?
In their first semester, FlexTrack students are limited to no more than 10 credit hours. After that, you'll determine credit loads (between 3 and 18 per semester) at your own discretion. You must, however, earn a minimum of 12 credit hours each calendar year (two semesters and a summer term) and complete all degree and major requirements.
What if a FlexTrack student needs to take a break for a semester or two?
Notify the Dean of Students Office in advance if you are taking a break. If you don't do this, you'll have to reapply for FlexTrack status.
Do I have to maintain a GPA standard (continuance) as a FlexTrack student?
Yes.
- 1.7 cumulative GPA by the end of a nine credit term
- 1.7 cumulative GPA by the end of a 21 credit term
- 1.85 cumulative GPA by the end of a 33 credit term
- 2.0 cumulative GPA by the end of a 48 term
- 2.0 cumulative GPA by the end of each successive term
Tuition and Financial Aid
What are the financial (tuition) differences between FlexTrack and full‐time students?
FlexTrack students are charged by credit hour. As of Fall 2008, tuition for FlexTrack students is $225/hour. But if you're taking a full credit load (12 or more), you'll be charged full tuition and fees. There is no option for FlexTrack students to pay fees if taking fewer than 12 credits.
What are the financial aid limitations for FlexTrack students who are also Gateway recipients?
During their first year, a FlexTrack student can receive Gateway funding, as long as they are taking at least 6 credit hours each semester. This funding affects total financial aid to individual FlexTrack students. FlexTrack students will be awarded aid based on part‐time procedures. After the first year, these students must move to full‐time status in order to receive further Gateway support.
What are other financial aid options for FlexTrack students?
If anything causes a FlexTrack student to become ineligible for Gateway yet still in need, the College still meets 100% of the student's need, but that part of the package will be made up of a Subsidized Stafford Loan and possibly a Perkins Loan. The only limit on regular aid is the number of semester equivalents of aid a student has used, as determined under the 10‐semester rule (see p. 55 of ‘08‐09 Undergraduate Course Catalog). All students are limited to 8 total semester equivalents of state/College aid. They can have 2 additional semester equivalents of Federal aid after the state/College aid runs out, for a total of 10 semester equivalents of Federal aid.
Fees, Activities, and Health Insurance
Can FlexTrack students have access to campus activities and services (i.e., recreational center, counseling center, intramural activities, bus service, entry to intercollegiate sporting events) even though they do not pay facilities fees or general fees?
No. Since FlexTrack tuition for students with fewer than 12 credits doesn't include fees for these services, they don't have access to them. However, if they are taking 12 credits or more, FlexTrack students do pay fees and are eligible for these services.
Are FlexTrack students eligible for the student health care policy?
Not if they are taking fewer than 12 credits. If taking 12 or more, they are eligible.
Can FlexTrack students live in College residence halls?
No. College residence halls are reserved for students with full‐time status.
Must a FlexTrack student who is taking less than a full course load provide proof of immunization and proof of insurance to the Student Health Center?
Yes. FlexTrack students must meet the same proof of immunization and insurance requirements as other degree‐seeking students, even though they are not eligible for the student health care policy when taking fewer than 12 credits.